The atmosphere was incredible for this participates.

The stands were filled to capacity for the opening ceremonies with cheering students, parents and other people.

It was one of the coolest things I had ever seen. I know it meant the world to these athletes.

During the meet, I had the chance to observe several events and these athletes performed to their very best. I know every two years when we watch the Olympics on television, we as a nation expect the competitors to win the most medals.

However, in this case, these performers that took part in this meet deserve the same respect for just being on the field. For some of them, this will be their only event; however, several of them will get the ultimate opportunity to compete at the state meet in the near future.

One of the best parts of the meet was the support by the folks at Rockvale. In the recap article from a couple of weeks ago, I described all of the different ways the school gives their Special Olympians the special treatment that they deserve.

Ever since the school dropped from K-8 to K-5 a few years ago, these athletes are now the only team sport at the school.

However, all of the participating schools and centers each had a huge cheering section and they should also be commended for giving their students their undivided love and support.

These runners and throwers should get an A++ for their effort and so should all of the other people that helped out during the event.

I was really impressed with all of the participation from the MTSU coaches and athletes. Their attitude during the event was excellent to see.

 I know this year, us in the media spent some time talking about all of the negative things that took place off the field. However, that is only a small percentage of what really goes on at the school. 

For those that did not get a chance to attend, you should have seen to smiling faces of the competitors or all of the students that came to see their classmates perform when they got met those Blue Raider student-athletes. It was like they were meeting the commander-and-chief.

Most of them do not read the paper or listen to the radio, especially when the topic of the day shines a negative light on the university. However, that is part of the job. With that being said, these Blue Raiders showed by doing events like this should earn them respect around the area.

Another big Special Olympics event takes place April, 30, when a huge swim meet takes place at the MTSU Campus Recreation Pool. Swimmers from several counties will take part, including 11 from Rutherford County.

One of those, Siegel senior Ryan Marshall, will look to continue the form that earned him several medals at the national meet last summer in Lincoln, Nebraska. I had a chance to sit down with Ryan and his family last August for a story after his terrific performance at Nationals. The family was very nice and it was one of my favorite interviews, ever.

Thanks to the wonderful invention of YouTube, I had a chance to see his swims from the event in Nebraska.

This kid is a lot better swimmer than me and probably all of my co-workers. So, I hope you take this chance to watch him and all of the rest of the swimmers look to become their own version of Michael Phelps.

These athletes have gone through a lot, and they are an inspiration to all of us. It was great to see them have their moment and it was also great to see all of the support from the community.